Have You Seen Luis Velez?

Have You Seen Luis Velez, published in 2019, is one of almost four dozen books by bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde. Hyde relates the story of biracial teenager Raymond Jaffe, whose chance encounter with Millie Gutermann, a blind, 92-year-old widow, compels him to search for Luis Velez, Millie’s suddenly absent caretaker. The search and its consequences evolve into a cascade of changes for Raymond and those around him. This young adult novel is set in present-day New York City, where Hyde spent a portion of her youth.

In the novel, Hyde focuses on how ordinary individuals face transformative difficulties. Summarized here is the 2019 Lake Union paperback version of the book. While there is no graphic violence or sexuality in the book, there is a courtroom description of a fatal shooting. Casual, adult use of liquor is described.

Plot Summary

As 16-year-old Raymond Jaffe leaves his New York City apartment on his way to school, an elderly woman asks if he has seen Luis Velez. Raymond, who has never heard of Luis, introduces himself as “Raymond from the fourth floor.” He sees the woman standing in the hallway again after school. He learns that Luis had been her caretaker for four years before disappearing.